State Supreme Court Justice Erin Gall of New York’s 5th Judicial District is under fire following a racially charged outburst and threats of violence made at a high school graduation party.
A judicial watchdog panel has recommended her removal from office.
The incident occurred on July 1, 2022, at a friend’s house in New Hartford, New York, when a melee broke out at the party.
Judge Gall, 53, used her authority to try to get uninvited guests arrested, threatened to shoot Black teenagers, and boasted about her son’s involvement in the altercation.
The state Commission on Judicial Conduct released a report on Monday condemning her actions.
Details of the Incident
Erin Gall, a white Republican judge serving since 2012, attended the party with her husband and three teenage children.
As the night progressed, a large number of uninvited guests arrived, including four Black teenagers who learned about the party through a live video feed.
This led to a series of arguments and fights, prompting police from multiple agencies to respond.
Police body camera footage captured Gall demanding that the Black teenagers leave the premises, stating, “You got to leave! You’re not going to find your keys. You got to call an Uber and get off the property.”
She further asserted her authority by saying, “Well, you’re going to get in an Uber, buddy, or you’re going to get a cop escort home. That’s how it’s happening. That’s what I’m telling you right now. That’s how I roll. That’s how Mrs. G rolls. That’s how Judge Gall rolls. We’re clearing this place out.”
Erin Gall attempted to have the teenagers arrested for trespassing and repeatedly used her position to intimidate them, shouting, “Get off the property! And that’s from Judge Gall! I’m a judge!” She also used profane language and made derogatory comments about the teenagers’ intelligence and future prospects.
Judicial Watchdog’s Findings
The commission’s report found that Gall’s conduct “created at least the appearance that she harbored racial bias,” which could erode public confidence in her integrity.
The panel described her actions as permeated with impropriety and severely undermining trust in the judiciary.
Erin Gall’s attorney, Robert Julian, stated that she was in a “state of fear, dismay, frustration, and exhaustion” when she made the comments, attributing her reaction to memories of a 1990 assault she suffered as a college student.
Despite this defense, the commission maintained that Gall’s wide array of misconduct warranted her removal from the bench.
Current Status and Reactions
Gall, who earns an annual salary of $232,600, is currently suspended with pay while New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, decides her fate.
Her attorney has indicated that she will appeal the panel’s determination.
The commission’s administrator and counsel, Robert H. Tembeckjian, expressed his shock at Gall’s behavior, calling it “as shocking as anything I have seen in my 40 years of judicial ethics enforcement.”
In response to the commission’s report, Gall’s lawyers detailed the violent skirmish at the party, emphasizing that her husband and son were assaulted while trying to intervene in the fights.
This incident has sparked significant public outcry and raised questions about the integrity and impartiality of those in the judiciary.
The final decision on Erin Gall’s removal now rests with the Court of Appeals, which will determine the future of her judicial career.
Watch the “fearful, dismayed, frustrated, and exhausted” Erin Gall in action below. 🙄
Sing it with me: “You about to lose yo job!” (Milly Rocks)
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